Democracy in Scotland In your jotters answer the following questions: What is Scotland? In what ways is Scotland similar to the rest of the UK? In what ways is Scotland different from the rest of the UK? BE SENSIBLE - DON’T BE RUDE OR DISRESPECTFUL!

We are learning to… Describe how individuals can participate in Scottish society. Explain why some people participate more than others

I will… Describe the different ways individuals can participate in Scottish society today. Explain why some people participate in democratic society Explain why some people chose not to participate in democratic society

So why do we consider democracy to be the best way to run our country? Why Democracy? There are many different forms of governance; democracy is not the only way modern countries are run. So why do we consider democracy to be the best way to run our country? Try to come up with as many different ideas as you can.

Key features of a Democracy http://www.civicsacademy.co.za/video/key-features-of-democracy/ Watch the video clip and take notes on the key features of a democratic society.

Features of a Democracy- Definitions Government- a democratically elected group of people who have the authority to govern the country on behalf of its people. Regular and Free Elections- all adults have the right to vote in regular elections, at a variety of levels. Free media- the media are not controlled by the government and are free to make comments and criticisms of the government’s decisions.

Features of a Democracy- Definitions Rights and Responsibilities -a right is a freedom that is protected. A responsibility is a duty or something you should to ensure order and stability within the country. Voting is both a right and a responsibility.

Rights and Responsibilities In your groups, come up with as many political rights and corresponding responsibilities that Scottish citizens have. Leave space in your notes for definitions and examples. Rights Responsibilities The right to…

Key features of a Democracy Several features of a democratic society have a direct impact on our daily lives these include: The right to vote The right to free speech The right to protest However, it is also important to remember that not everyone makes use of their rights.

Voting in a democracy Voting is perhaps the single most important right we have. As citizens of Scotland and the UK, there are some rules governing who can and cannot legally vote. AGE?: the minimum age to vote in Scottish elections is 16. For UK level elections, you must be 18 years old. REGISTERED?: a British citizen, citizen of the Commonwealth or citizen of the Republic Ireland who has registered on the Electoral Roll. LEGAL STATUS?: currently, prisoners in the UK do not hold the right to vote and neither do refugees or asylum seekers.

Reasons to Vote / Reasons not vote Voting in a democracy Why does one individual vote matter though, when there are so many people in the country? Why bother to vote? Create the follow mind-map in your notes; you will need this in order to complete an exam-style question. Reasons to Vote / Reasons not vote

Exercise a basic democratic right/responsibility Participate in society in different ways Have not registered to vote To ensure a specific political party WINS Reasons to Vote / Reasons not vote To STOP a political party from succeeding Lack of trust in politicians/the political system Lack of role models Belief that the electoral system accurately reflects their views Voter Apathy Basic right not to vote

Exercise a basic democratic right/responsibility: many people believe that it is not just a right but a responsibility to use their vote, especially when so many people around the world still do not have the right to vote. For example… Participate in society in different ways: many people choose not to vote as they believe participating in society in other ways, such as by joining a pressure group or trade union is more effective. For example… To ensure a specific political party WINS: many people will vote in Scottish elections because they support a specific political party and want them to win or do well in an election. For example… Voter Apathy: Many people choose not to vote in elections as they do not care about politics. When a person does not care about voting they are apathetic and do not believe that voting is important or worthwhile. For example…

National 5 Exam Qs 1. Explain, in detail, two reasons why many people in Scotland choose to vote in elections. 6 2. Nat 5 2014 Q2 adapted Nat 5 2018 Q3a

National 5 Explain Question Exemplar Point. Explain. Explain further. Example One reason many people choose to vote in elections is because it both a right and a responsibility. (P) By voting they are exercising a basic democratic right; anyone aged 16 and over who has registered may vote in Scottish elections (E). Many people also believe that voting is a responsibility especially when so many people around the world still cannot vote (E). For example, some women choose to vote in Scottish elections because many women in countries such Saudi Arabia face harassment and abuse if they attempt to vote. (E)

Other forms of participation Voting is not the only way in which citizens can participate in Scottish society. Members of the public can: Stand as a candidate in an election (MSP, Local Councillor) Join a Pressure Group Join a Trade Union Protest/Campaign about specific issues Utilise the media (freedom of speech)

Other forms of participation Standing as a candidate in an election MSP: - In order to stand as a candidate in a Scottish Parliament election you must be at least 18 years old, a British or Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of an EU member state. Not hold certain positions such as police officer, civil servant etc. Local Councillor Same age and citizenship status as standing as an MSP Must have been registered as living or working within the local council area (for example, East Ayrshire) for the 12 months before your nomination.

Other forms of participation Standing as a candidate in an election. Many people stand for election because they believe they can make a significant contribution to society or have a specific issue they wish to address. For example, one of the reasons Margo McDonald stood as an independent candidate for the Scottish Parliament was because she was passionate about reforming health and assisted suicide law in Scotland as she personally suffered from Parkinson’s Disease.

Other forms of participation Join a Trade Union Trade Unions are organisations that represent workers in their place of employment. Trade Unions have a history of high membership and great influence in the UK and Scotland although they are not as popular or influential as they were previously. Trade Unions follow the principle of collective bargaining – the idea that a group is more powerful than the individual. Trade Unions also provide advice, legal support and help to employees within the workplace.

Join a Trade Union Many people, particularly those who work in a specific trade/profession, or those who work in the public sector (such as the NHS) will join a trade union. The main role of modern Trade Unions is to ensure that workers are properly protected in the workplace; are being paid appropriately and fairly and to fight against discrimination in the workplace. When workers in the public sector take INDUSTRIAL ACTION this is sanctioned due to their Trade Union membership. For example, teachers in East Dunbartonshire went on strike in 2017 to protest against changes being made in schools by their employers which they were not happy about. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-43544061

Other forms of participation We will look at Pressure Groups and the Media separately later on in the unit.

National 5 Exam Qs: H/wrk Answer the following question in full for homework. Nat 5 2017 Q1

I can… Describe the different ways individuals can participate in Scottish society today. Explain why some people participate in democratic society Explain why some people chose not to participate in democratic society